Open Carry (aka "OC")

... But I'm not sure it's all that good an idea. I suppose it depends upon the place and the context. ... But in a town or city the sight of your firearm is likley to cause most folks to be upset, and wonder what's going on. I think, as a gentleman or lady, you should keep your gun out of sight.

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Although I live in what could be considered a rural area, it is in the cities and towns (and of all places, churches!) where most of the criminal offenses take place - for the most part against a clearly and mistakenly unarmed population, a population which presumes that when they're in trouble the cops will be right there to help. With that said I offer that there is a quotation used, I think by one of the members of this particular web site, which goes something like ... "When seconds count, the cops are only minutes away."

Without question I fully agree you're entitled to your opinion but I for one do not consider it to be the mark of one who is not a gentleman or not a lady when the individual has a gun and carries it in plain sight.

Although I live in what could be considered a rural area, it is in the cities and towns (and of all places, churches!) where most of the criminal offenses take place - for the most part against a clearly and mistakenly unarmed population, a population which presumes that when they're in trouble the cops will be right there to help. With that said I offer that there is a quotation used, I think by one of the members of this particular web site, which goes something like ... "When seconds count, the cops are only minutes away."

Without question I fully agree you're entitled to your opinion but I for one do not consider it to be the mark of one who is not a gentleman or not a lady when the individual has a gun and carries it in plain sight.

tyc

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Well, if security is a problem and OC will help somehow, then why not? On the other hand, if the criminal does not know you have a gun you are in a much better position to defend yourself. If a criminal or nut knows you have a revolver on your hip he might grab it from you when you are not looking. Such an embarassment to be mugged with your own handgun! I'd much rather be a concealed carry gentleman than let some nutjob know who he can get a gun from.

maybe I'm just lucky here in WA, but OC is not a big deal to most folks; if you carry on about your business as usual, you won't really notice much difference in day to day activities. I used to think OC was dumb in urban areas but (here anyway) I am pleasantly surprised that it's a non-issue and highly recommend doing so to hold onto that freedom. This includes Seattle of all places.

If it's legal where you are at, do it. Educate the ignorant, whether they be anti-gun libs or LEO's who don't know the law well enough or don't care.

being a gentleman or lady has nothing to do with your gun being covered by a millimeter of fabric IMO. It's just about everything BUT that. An armed society is a polite society, it's not just a bumper sticker, it's reality.

I choose not to live in fear of crunchies calling cops about my OC firearm anymore and strongly urge everyone else to exercise your legal right to OC.

Well, if security is a problem and OC will help somehow, then why not? On the other hand, if the criminal does not know you have a gun you are in a much better position to defend yourself. If a criminal or nut knows you have a revolver on your hip he might grab it from you when you are not looking. Such an embarassment to be mugged with your own handgun! I'd much rather be a concealed carry gentleman than let some nutjob know who he can get a gun from.

when's the last time anyone heard 'man open carrying shot in back of head while waiting in line' or 'man OCing get's killed with his own gun'? There was joking on the opencarry.org forums about how 'membership on the forum is extremely hard to maintain with all the OCers getting shot in the head', made me laugh.

many criminals are cowards and although I used to conceal partially because I also like the element of surprise, bad guy sees me and my gun, he's likely moving on. I'm not the biggest guy out there either, but I think there is a large element of deterrent with OC.

Situational awareness. Bad guy ain't gonna come outta nowhere and snatch your gun like an evil spirit; he's probably going to watch you for a minute or so first.

And if someone takes your gun, pull out another one and get your first one back!

Well, if security is a problem and OC will help somehow, then why not? On the other hand, if the criminal does not know you have a gun you are in a much better position to defend yourself. If a criminal or nut knows you have a revolver on your hip he might grab it from you when you are not looking. Such an embarassment to be mugged with your own handgun! I'd much rather be a concealed carry gentleman than let some nutjob know who he can get a gun from.

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Have you ever open carried? I have, and I can tell you right now that this ain't gonna happen! Why? Because those of us that open carry, or have open carried usually use a holster that will prevent the gun from falling out, thus a retention method of some sort. Bet you didn't know that did ya!

I OC very often as it's completely legal in my state. My first recommendation would be if you're new to OC and are not quite sure of it find someone that OC's regularly near you and set up a time/place where you two can OC together. If you’re new and not sure and you're approached by LEO's, you'll freeze so to speak and won't know what to do or not to do.

I've accompanied several folks new to OC and even been harassed by LEO's with them at my side, and when the encounter was over with and we went on our merry way they told me they couldn't have done that. To which my reply was if you can't stand up for the rights you have been granted by God and know the laws, you're not ready to OC by yourself.

I know all too well the repercussions of ignorant LEO's and public alike. I've spent several thousand of my own dollars over many years fighting false charges only to be completely exonerated EVERY single time, though some of that money has came back to me . Now most if not all LEO's anywhere near where I live know the laws.

Failing to exercise your rights will cause you to lose them. If it is legal in your state, you need to do it at least on occasion. I dont give a flying flip what any cop says or thinks nor do I care what the general public thinks. I will exercise my rights to the fullest no matter how uncomfortable it make them. If your afraid of the big bad wolf grabbing your gun, I suggest you dont carry one. Even if you carry one concealed, you will probably be to scared to use it anyhow. For the rest of you, get out there and enjoy your freedoms!

As you may be aware, uniformed law enforcement officers have been shot with their own handguns. Why not give yourself the added advantage of pulling your gun from a concealed holster? On the other hand, if the point of OC is to be in the face of folks who don't like guns then I suppose self defense is not the issue.

As you may be aware, uniformed law enforcement officers have been shot with their own handguns. Why not give yourself the added advantage of pulling your gun from a concealed holster? On the other hand, if the point of OC is to be in the face of folks who don't like guns then I suppose self defense is not the issue.

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Has absolutely NOTHING to do with being in someones face. Its called exercising you rights and not being afraid. Who gives a flip what the liberals that dont like guns think? Screw them. Let them go home and shiver in a corner somewhere and pee themselves. Give in to them and they win, bottom line. Not me, never. I dont care what they think. I dont live in fear either.

I cc not open but at times when getting gas at say the wrong location ,ive let my shirt ride up so handle is exposed,have a peashooter still hidden on weak side.
In TN permit covers both open and concealed.
Their is a guy I think in texas that is targeting open carriers as strapped generally,pays to have another less exposed.
Just my thoughts you wish to open carry your business if legal,but a smaller hideout would be wise,again legally not illegal.
Primary in summer Pt22,Rohm 22,secondary when clothing permits with 32 acp llama or 9x18 mak.
If open carry size doesnt matter much but does if you intend to hide it.